Sarah Ann Blocker inducted into state's Women's Hall of Fame

Contributed Photo Sarah Ann Blocker, heralded as one of the founders of Florida Memorial College, spent more than 50 years in education before Florida schools were integrated.

Blocker was inducted posthumously to the Florida Women's Hall of Fame on Monday in a ceremony in Tallahassee led by Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women said Blocker's ability to raise money and her skills in administration and management contributed to the college's growth and prosperity.

Florida Memorial President Albert Smith said alumni, faculty and students can take pride in Blocker's induction.

"This means one of the real heroes, leaders and people that made a great contribution to Florida Memorial College is now being recognized across the state, and I think in one of the most prestigious ways," Smith said.

Florida Memorial was established in St. Augustine for 27 years before moving to Miami in 1968. All that remains of the original campus across from Calvin Peete Park are oak trees and an abandoned entry way.

Blocker, who lived from 1857 to 1944, was first buried on the Florida Memorial campus. Local historian Leslie Wilson said Blocker's body was moved to an unmarked grave at a cemetery in St. Augustine when the school moved to Miami.

Her grave is unmarked and covered with weeds, Wilson said.

Smith said the college is aware of the grave site and is working on plans to fix its condition. He called the unmarked grave a high priority.

"That is a disgraceful problem," Smith said.

No one disputes Blocker's contributions, but different historical accounts have been given about when she was at Florida Memorial.

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women claims Blocker founded Florida Memorial when she was 22 in 1879.

But Wilson said Blocker probably wasn't in Florida in 1879.

The college resulted from a merger between Florida Baptist Institute of Live Oak and Florida Baptist Academy of Jacksonville. Smith credits Blocker for bringing those two schools together.

Smith said Florida Baptist Institute, founded in 1879, merged with Florida Baptist Academy, founded in 1892, to form Florida Normal and Industrial Memorial Institute in 1941.

After changing its name, the school became Florida Memorial College in 1963.

Wilson said Blocker was offered a position at Florida Baptist Academy in 1892, and she previously taught at Florida Baptist Institute. But she attended the University of Atlanta from 1881 to 1883 to receive her teaching certificate.

"I think she did not get (to the Florida Baptist Institute) until after that because she had to have a teaching certificate," Wilson said.

Blocker moved to St. Augustine in 1918 when the Jacksonville academy changed its name to Florida Normal and Industrial Institute, she said.

Carol Herring of the Suwannee County Historical Society said Florida Baptist Institute was called Bethlehem Baptist Theological and Literary Institute when it was incorporated in 1873. Blocker is not listed in the incorporation records, she said.

But Smith said it isn't important which school Blocker attended. Her contribution to Florida Memorial College was her role in brokering the merger.

"She had a great influence on the merger, and that really brought into being the Florida Memorial College," Smith said.

The St. Augustine Evening Record ran an obituary for Blocker on April 16, 1944. It described her as a founder of the Florida Normal and Industrial Institute.

"The death of this beloved colored resident will be heard with deep regret throughout St. Augustine as she had numerous friends among both the white and colored populations," according to the obituary. "She was known as a leader among Negro educators and had worked for half a century for the progress of her race."

Smith said the induction into the Hall of Fame is important to many alumni, especially the ones who knew Blocker. By honoring Blocker, the state is also honoring the college, he said.

"It's going to be a morale boosting, it's going to be a spirit igniter," Smith said. "It's just a wonderful thing that's happening."

Blocker was inducted with Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan and Mary R. Grizzle, the first Republican woman to serve in the Florida Legislature. This is the 21st anniversary of the Florida Women's Hall of Fame.

The women were chosen by Gov. Jeb Bush from a list of 10 nominees selected by the commission for making contributions to improving life for women and all Floridians.

"The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is dedicated to empowering women from all walks of life in achieving their fullest potential, and to recognizing women's accomplishments," Patricia Clements, Chair of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, said in a statement. "We are proud to honor these women for their tremendous achievements and accomplishments throughout their lives."

St. Augustine Record Associate Editor Margo Pope contributed to this report.